Nepal Transport

Air

Nepal has one international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, just east of Kathmandu. There are no direct long-distance flights to Nepal, getting here from Europe, the Americas or Australasia will always involve a stop in the Middle East or Asia. The terminal is a one-room brick building with a large wooden table serving as both customs and immigration. Money can be changed to the local currency as well, but these services are only available directly after scheduled arrivals. Besides being a more comfortable and time saving way of getting around Nepal, Nepal's domestic network includes some of the most spectacular and remote airstrips in the world. There are 44 airports in the country, almost all the major towns being served by air. All the airplanes flying in Nepal are piloted by skilled and experienced hands. Major Domestic Airlines includes Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Cosmic Air, Gorkha Air, Agni Air, Guna Airlines etc.

Train

Cargo and passanger trains operate between Sirsiya in southern Nepal, and the Indian town of Raxaul. However, except for Indians, foreigners are not allowed to cross border with it. Internal train network is limited to few kilometres of train network in Janakpur.

Get around

Bus

Buses are the main form of public transport in Nepal. Most buses from Kathmandu to other parts of Nepal leave from the Gongabu Bus Park located on the Ring Road on the north side of the town. Some buses leave from the old bus park near Tudikhel and others from Gaushala near Pashupatinath. It is advisable to purchase the tickets in advance. Micro Bus is a popular transportation lately, it has almost replaced local bus service given its fast service, but the fare is more expensive than the local bus.

Taxi

Taxis are found in larger towns such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, and these can be hired for both local and long-distance journeys. Please note that some taxi drivers may refuse to use the meter, this is often an attempt to overcharge tourists and it may also reflect rising fuel costs and traffic delays. If a driver refuses to use the meter, try another taxi. And if no taxis are willing to use the meter, haggle down to reach a reasonable price.

Bike

There are plenty of bicycle-rental shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and this is a cheap and convenient way of getting around. Generic Indian and Chinese-made bicycles cost around Rs350 per day to rent, but the clunky gears make even a downhill stretch seem like hard work. Several cycling agencies in Kathmandu rent out imported mountain bikes for around US$8 to US$12 per day. Children’s bicycles can also be hired.

Car

There are no drive-yourself rental cars available in Nepal, but you can easily hire a car or jeep with a driver through a travel agency. Expect to pay between US$60 and US$100 per day, including fuel. Motorcycles can be rented in Kathmandu and Pokhara for around Rs500 to 700 per day. You’ll need an international driving permit or a licence from your own country that shows you are licensed to ride a motorcycle.